Learn how to develop and implement a holistic marketing strategy that incorporates industry best practices.

In an increasingly competitive business environment, companies need to make use of the latest brand management and promotional tactics to differentiate their offerings and attract target customers. Professionals with strong marketing skills can, therefore, play an important part in boosting an organization’s bottom line.

The University of Cape Town (UCT) Marketing online short course covers the fundamentals of marketing management and offers a holistic view of this important field. You’ll learn how to set marketing goals, create buyer personas, and develop and implement a comprehensive strategy that incorporates digital marketing best practices while leveraging traditional channels. Throughout the course, you’ll receive detailed instruction from an engaged head tutor and have the chance to apply your learnings practically by making marketing decisions for a fictional business.

Is this course for you?

This course is designed for both current marketing and business development professionals who want to refresh their skills, and those looking for an introduction to the field. It’s also aimed at business owners and entrepreneurs who are eager to develop their marketing knowledge so they can better position and promote their own brands.

If you’re looking to develop a holistic marketing skill set, we recommend you investigate the UCT Marketing Analytics: Strategy and Decision-Making online short course. This course takes a strategic, end-to-end approach to marketing analytics and equips you to use data to inform important marketing decisions. If you want to learn more about the course, request a call to speak to an Enrolment Advisor.

Learn how to manage correspondence and oversee administrative tasks in an office environment.

Skilled office management and administration professionals aren’t just supporting players. As employees who help to ensure efficient operations across all business functions, they’re fundamental to an organization’s success.

The University of Cape Town (UCT) Professional Communication and Office Management online short course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this key administrative and operational role. You’ll explore document, meeting, diary, and petty cash management, and be taught how to communicate effectively in a modern professional environment.

Learn how to structure a business letter, plan company travel arrangements, supervise the day-to-day running of an office, and take on a range of new responsibilities to help your organization function optimally.

Is this course for you?

This course is suited to professionals who want to unlock new employment opportunities and move up into office management or corporate communication-related role. Those already working as office administrators and assistants can also take this course to refresh their skills, formalize their knowledge, and validate their expertise with a certificate from Africa’s leading university, UCT.

Learn how to defend your organization’s systems and data against the growing threat of cyberattacks.

The digital age has revolutionized the way that organizations do business. Unfortunately, however, it has also exposed companies, and their customers, to many new risks. With cyberattacks now a real threat in Africa and beyond, there’s a need across industries for professionals with the skills to address online security vulnerabilities.

The University of Cape Town (UCT) Fundamentals of Cybersecurity online short course introduces you to the key elements of cybersecurity management, from both a South African and international perspective. Learn to become the defender of sensitive company data and learn how to make sound decisions to support your organization in both thwarting attacks and responding appropriately to incidents.

Is this course for you?

This course is beneficial for employees at all levels, both technical and managerial, who currently work within cybersecurity. Those new to the industry or within administrative or information security roles will gain the latest knowledge of cybersecurity and develop a competitive edge within the growing job market. Management professionals will explore the regulations and legislation that affects cybersecurity, and learn to develop dedicated cybersecurity training programmes and incident policies. All professionals will have the opportunity to gain the confidence and skills to identify threats and implement the necessary measures to protect an organization from cyber risks.

Elevate your understanding of South African employment law and promote fair labour practices in the workplace.

South African labour law has evolved considerably in recent years, with key acts being amended and employment equity gaining more prominence. It’s imperative that employers, human resource (HR) practitioners, and legal professionals stay abreast of such legislative changes so they can ensure compliance, avoid lawsuits, and resolve disputes.

The University of Cape Town (UCT) Practical Labour Law online short course introduces you to the local employment law landscape, its various acts, and the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees. Guided by labour relations specialist Pieter Koornhof, you’ll learn how to navigate the complexities of contracting, dismissal and retrenchment, and discover strategies for avoiding workplace discrimination.

Throughout the course, law concepts will be illuminated through the presentation of practical scenarios, which will equip you with skills and knowledge that you can apply immediately in your current context.

Is this course for you?

As this course covers many facets of South African labour law, it’s suited to HR practitioners looking to expand their knowledge of this subject area to add more value in current and future roles. It’s also ideal for legal professionals who want to learn how to handle labour-related issues, and small business owners who need up-to-date knowledge of employment regulations to ensure compliance and the fair treatment of staff. As students will receive a certificate of completion from UCT, this course is a good option for those looking for official validation of their labour law expertise.

Learn how to offer vital legal support by administering key technical and operational tasks.

As professionals who offer much-needed assistance to licensed lawyers, paralegals play a vital role in professional legal environments.

The University of Cape Town (UCT) Paralegal Practitioner online short course aims to equip you with both the legal knowledge and the practical skills to fill this important function. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the South African legal system, and be introduced to the Bill of Rights, the South African Constitution, and areas of private law, criminal law, and business law.

To give you a competitive edge, the course concludes with several modules on legal reading, writing, interviews, and research, preparing you to take on a wide range of technical and administrative responsibilities.

Is this course for you?

This course is designed for aspiring paralegals, legal assistants, and legal secretaries eager to unlock new career opportunities and work at a law firm or in a commercial environment. The content will also appeal to existing paralegal practitioners who want to refine their skill set, update their knowledge of local law, and expand their scope of influence within their organization.

Gain a deeper understanding of compliance risk analysis and management in order to enhance your organization's operations.

As businesses grow and technology develops, the world is seeing increased levels of regulatory risk. This has led to the adoption of more stringent standards and regulations, which are increasingly changing how organizations manage their operations. The compliance function of an organization has never been more important, as it now needs to proactively govern everything from internal policies to employee behavior.

The University of Cape Town (UCT) Compliance Management online short course teaches you the skills to create a culture of ethical compliance in your organization. Over eight modules, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of compliance risk analysis and management that can be applied to your own context. Ensure the long-term sustainability of your business by adhering to regulations, implementing policies, and developing a strategic approach to managing compliance risk.

After completing this course, you’ll receive a one-year student membership to the Compliance Institute Southern Africa (CISA). Should you complete both UCT compliance online short courses offered by GetSmarter, within a one-year period, you’ll then get a two-year CISA membership.

Is this course for you?

This course is suitable for professionals who work in corporate governance, compliance management, or a related field and intend to apply compliance principles to their own organizations. It would also benefit those looking to enhance their existing knowledge and skills to move into a strategic role within their compliance team. Existing compliance professionals will be able to validate, refine, and develop their current skill set. It is also ideal for business leaders looking for an advanced set of skills to augment their legal, risk management, and compliance knowledge in order to assist their compliance team and improve company performance.

Develop the skills to navigate the operational challenges that exist in an evolving economy.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution – or Industry 4.0 – presents the opportunity for organizations to reconfigure their operations. Along with the rapid evolution of digital technologies and manufacturing processes, changing consumer preferences, and other developments such as a global move towards sustainability are supercharging business transformation. This ever-changing environment demands that companies run their operations as efficiently and effectively as possible. Sound operations management ensures that resources are used intelligently to maximize efficiency, profit, productivity, and success.

The University of Cape Town (UCT) Operations Management online short course will help you develop competencies in production, capacity, supply chain, and quality management. Discover the 10 key principles of effective operations management and learn how to improve planning, manage the production scheduling process, and use forecasting techniques to solve demand-related issues. Ultimately, you’ll formulate a sound operations strategy using lean thinking and leave the course with the ability to make informed management decisions to drive your company forward.

Is this course for you?

This course is ideally suited to those currently employed in a business’s production or operations function, and those looking to launch a career in operations management. Professionals already working in this field will improve their ability to effect change in their organizations and boost performance in their current roles. In addition, individuals looking to move into an operations role will acquire transferable skills that could open up new opportunities across various industries.

Apply core business skills and strategies to empower your career in the sports industry.

Brought on by the growth of technology, changing consumer habits and an eSports revolution, the sports industry is facing an unprecedented level of change – by 2022, the global sports market is expected to reach $614.1 billion.¹ The transformative effects of these factors and how to respond to them requires qualified professionals in all aspects of management, from marketing to sponsorship, events, coaching, technology, media, and administration.

During this Sports Management: Business Principles in Sport online short course from the University of Cape Town (UCT), you’ll have the opportunity to refine your business management knowledge for use in the context of the sports industry. Learn sports-relevant business strategies and engage in personal reflection, as you build the fundamental skills needed for success as a sports manager.

Is this course for you?

This online course is ideal for professionals already working in the sports industry, and who wish to validate or update their business acumen within the sports context. Those aiming to enter the sports industry will benefit from the foundational combination of business knowledge and industry insight, while entrepreneurs who are interested in a new venture in the realm of sports will gain a valuable understanding of the industry at large.

Develop the technical expertise to manage the finance-related aspects of your business.

The success of any organization relies, in part, on sound financial management. As a result, personnel with the skills to manage and control the monthly accounting cycle are an indispensable part of a business.

The University of Cape Town (UCT) Accounting online short course provides an overview of core accounting principles and practices for those needing to assess, record, and report financial information. Guided by industry experts from UCT, you’ll gain a practical grounding in budgeting and business tax, and learn how to draft reports, like a Statement of Comprehensive Income or Cash Flows.

You’ll receive study assistance from our student support team throughout the course, and leave with the confidence to manage credit and apply internal controls.

Is this course for you?

This course is designed for professionals who are currently working in a supporting role within the accounts or finance department and want to strengthen their skills and bolster performance. It’s also ideal for aspiring accounting technicians and financial support staff, and for those looking for the technical expertise to manage their own personal and professional finances.

Gain practical insights into South African and offshore investing.

Amid falling consumer confidence in traditional portfolio management, South Africans are more willing than ever to take the leap into individual investing – with modern technology providing the tools to do so. However, in order to make informed, responsible investment decisions, it’s necessary to understand the investment environment.

The Investment Management online short course from the University of Cape Town (UCT) offers a practical guide to the world of financial investments. The course does not offer specific investment advice, but rather empowers you with the skills needed to intelligently manage an investment portfolio. Learn to choose the right company, fund, and investment strategy with confidence.

Is this course for you?

This course is ideal for anyone interested in investing, but who has no formal knowledge or qualification of the subject. It will also benefit professionals who have a background in finance, but little exposure to investing specifically. These professionals will gain a greater understanding of investment products, including offshore investments, and asset classes such as cryptocurrencies. Through the course, students will become equipped to consider investments from a global perspective, while working towards their own financial reward.